The GCC stock markets are poised for a new wave of intensive investment activity in 2026, with forecasts pointing to an exceptional year for initial public offerings (IPOs). According to a recent report by Kuwait Projects Investment Company (KAMCO), the region boasts a robust pipeline of companies at various stages of preparation for listing, reflecting the maturity of the investment environment and growing investor confidence.
Saudi Arabia in the lead: Momentum fueled by Vision 2030
The report indicated that approximately 73 IPOs are currently in the pipeline across the GCC countries, with Saudi Arabia expected to maintain its leading position in this financial sector. This activity is a practical implementation of the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, specifically the Financial Sector Development Program, which aims to deepen the financial market, enhance its attractiveness to local and international investors, and increase the private sector's contribution to the national economy.
In a related context, the CEO of Tadawul (the Saudi Stock Exchange) indicated in previous statements last December that 40 companies had officially submitted applications for listing. Estimates suggest that this number could jump to nearly 100 companies (between the main market, Tadawul, and the parallel market, Nomu) when including companies that have already begun appointing financial advisors to arrange their IPOs, thus underscoring the attractiveness of the Saudi market as a major destination for capital in the region.
Top nominated companies and targeted sectors
The diverse sectors preparing for IPOs offer a wide range of options for investors. Among the most prominent names expected to go public in Saudi Arabia in the coming period is the Saudi Information Technology Company (SITE), a company backed by the Public Investment Fund, which strongly suggests the quality of the anticipated offerings. Additionally, Ejadah Systems, a leading technology company, is expected to resubmit its IPO application after the previous approval period has expired.
The list of companies that have announced their intentions or proposals for initial public offerings (IPOs) includes prominent names such as Al-Khorayef Petroleum (in which the Public Investment Fund holds a stake), Sudair Pharmaceuticals, Al-Diyar Al-Arabia Real Estate, and Lean Technologies. This activity is not limited to large corporations; the parallel market (Nomu) is also expected to see listings of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in vital sectors such as car rentals, food and beverages, and restaurant chains, thus further diversifying the economic base.
Economic impact and harvest in 2025
This anticipated surge in IPOs carries significant economic implications, contributing to increased liquidity in Gulf markets, attracting more foreign direct investment, and enhancing transparency and governance in family-owned and private companies transitioning to publicly traded companies. This transformation strengthens the position of Gulf markets within global emerging market indices.
Based on past performance, 2025 laid a solid foundation for this growth, with the region witnessing 40 initial public offerings (IPOs) that raised a total of US$5.1 billion, according to data from the Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz). Saudi Arabia alone accounted for the lion's share of these proceeds, raising US$4.1 billion, or 79% of the total GCC IPOs, further cementing its position as the engine of financial growth in the region.
